Trade Dollar Value
1873–1885 · $1 · 90% silver, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $100.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $150.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $250.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $600.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $1,800 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $9,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1884 | Proof only — just 10 struck, one of the rarest US coins | $200,000–$1,000,000+ |
| 1885 | Proof only — only 5 known | $500,000–$3,000,000 |
| 1878-CC | Last Carson City Trade Dollar — rare | $500–$15,000 |
| 1873-CC | First year Carson City issue | $300–$8,000 |
| 1875-S Type 2 | Reverse with different lettering style | $150–$2,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- William Barber
- Years
- 1873–1885
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 38.1 mm
- Weight
- 27.22 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Trade Dollar: History & Background
The Trade Dollar was created specifically for commerce with China, where silver dollars were the preferred medium of exchange. At 420 grains, it was deliberately heavier than the standard Seated Liberty dollar (412.5 grains) to compete with the Mexican eight reales coin in Asian markets. The obverse depicts Liberty seated facing left, extending an olive branch toward Asia, while the reverse shows an eagle with three arrows and an olive branch. Congress demonetized the coin in 1876, and from 1879 to 1885 only proofs were struck. Many surviving examples show Chinese chopmarks — counterstamps applied by merchants to verify silver content.
How to Grade a Trade Dollar
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →